CN110774772B - Recording device, image processing device, and recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a recording apparatus, an image processing apparatus, and a recording method, wherein the recording apparatus can perform recording with less time and effort for adjusting the difference of the ejection characteristics of each head, thereby reducing the influence of the deviation of the dot position caused by the difference of the moving direction of the head. A recording system (1) records a recording image based on image data by repeating a circulating operation and a conveying operation, and is characterized by comprising an allocation unit (121) which acquires a plurality of halftone data corresponding to a predetermined color of ink generated for the same area of the image data based on the image data, and allocates each halftone data in the acquired plurality of halftone data to a circulating operation in the same direction in a reciprocating movement in a main scanning direction in a predetermined recording area.

Description

Recording device, image processing device and recording method

technical field

The present invention relates to a recording device that performs recording by ejecting a liquid, an image processing device that generates recording data for causing the recording device to perform recording, and a recording method that performs recording by ejecting a liquid.

Background technique

A serial inkjet printer alternately repeats the following cyclic operation and conveying operation to form dots (dot columns) arranged in the main scanning direction in a manner aligned along the conveying direction, and print them on the recording medium. An image is formed in which the cyclic operation is to eject ink while reciprocating (main scanning) a head in which a nozzle row for ejecting ink droplets is formed relative to a recording medium (printing medium) in a main scanning direction. The droplet operation, the conveyance operation, is an operation of moving (sub-scanning) the recording medium in a conveyance direction (sub-scanning direction) intersecting with the main-scanning direction.

In such an inkjet printer, a method of increasing the number of nozzles is adopted as a method for further increasing the recording speed. Specifically, it is a method of increasing the number of dots formed by one main scan (cycle operation) by increasing the number of nozzles per head or arranging a plurality of heads, thereby increasing the recording speed.

When a plurality of heads are arranged to be configured as one head, when there is a difference (deviation in ink ejection amount or ejection direction) in the ink ejection characteristics of each arranged head, there is a difference in the formed dots. When the size or position varies, causing color unevenness on the surface, etc., which affect the recording quality. On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses an inkjet recording device including drive waveform generation data correction capable of correcting variations in ink discharge amount or discharge timing of the inkjet recording device. unit.

However, in the inkjet recording device described in Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to perform correction corresponding to the ink ejection characteristics of each head, it is necessary to provide a drive waveform generation data correction unit for each head, which hinders the cost. Reduce such a problem. In addition, it is necessary to obtain a correction amount corresponding to the ink discharge characteristics of each head, and there is a problem that it takes time for adjustment.

In addition, in recording characters, lines, etc., there is a problem that an increase in the number of loop operations does not necessarily lead to an improvement in image quality (visibility as characters or line quality of lines). Specifically, there is a problem that the visibility of characters and the line quality of scribing lines may be reduced due to the dot position shift due to the difference in the moving direction when the head reciprocates during the cyclic operation. Such subjects.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-47614

Contents of the invention

The recording device of the present application is characterized in that the recording image based on the image data is recorded by repeating the following cyclic operation and conveyance operation, wherein the cyclic operation is that the nozzle group is positioned relative to the recording medium in the main scanning direction. On the other hand, liquid is ejected while relatively reciprocating to form dots on the recording medium. An operation of performing relative movement in a scanning direction, wherein the recording device includes a distributing unit that acquires, on the basis of the image data, a color corresponding to a predetermined color generated for the same area of the image data. a plurality of halftone data corresponding to the liquid, and distribute respective halftone data among the obtained plurality of halftone data to the reciprocating movement in the main scanning direction in a predetermined recording area. Said circular action in the same direction.

In the recording device described above, it is preferable to include a halftone processing unit that generates the plurality of halftone data.

In the recording device described above, it is preferable that the nozzle group is composed of a plurality of nozzle subgroups, and that the distributing unit distributes each halftone data among the plurality of halftone data to at least one of the plurality of nozzles. One nozzle group in the group realizes the cyclic operation over the entire same area of the image data, and performs recording by overlapping recording based on the respective halftone data.

In the recording device described above, it is preferable that the predetermined recording area is such that the nozzle group that ejects the liquid of the predetermined color can be formed by one cycle operation not accompanied by the conveying operation. The region where logging is implemented.

In the recording device described above, it is preferable to include an input unit capable of specifying the length of the predetermined recording area in the sub-scanning direction.

In the recording device described above, it is preferable to include a second nozzle group that ejects a liquid of a second color different from the predetermined color, and the dispensing unit acquires a liquid of a second color different from the predetermined color, based on the image data. second halftone data corresponding to the liquid of the second color generated in the same area of the image data, and assigning the second halftone data to the main scan of the second nozzle group The reciprocating movement in the same direction or the reciprocating direction of the said cyclical action.

In the recording device described above, it is preferable that the intensity of the contrast between the color of the recording medium and the second color is greater than the intensity of the contrast between the color of the recording medium and the predetermined color. Next, the distributing section distributes the second halftone data to the circular operation in the same direction in the reciprocating movement in the main scanning direction of the second nozzle group in the predetermined recording area .

In the recording device described above, it is preferable to include an input unit capable of specifying the predetermined color.

The image processing device of the present application is characterized in that recording data for recording by a recording device is generated based on image data, and the recording device performs recording based on the image data by repeating the following loop operation and transport operation. The image is recorded, wherein the cycle operation is an operation in which the nozzle group relatively reciprocates relative to the recording medium in the main scanning direction while ejecting liquid to form dots on the recording medium, and the conveying The operation is an operation of relatively moving the nozzle group and the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction intersecting with the main scanning direction, and the image processing apparatus includes a halftone processing unit based on the the image data, and a plurality of halftone data corresponding to the liquid of a predetermined color is generated for the same area of the image data; The respective halftone data within are assigned to the cyclic motion in the same direction in the reciprocating movement in the main scanning direction.

The recording method of the present application is characterized in that it is a recording method in a recording device that records a recorded image based on image data by repeating the following loop operation and conveyance operation, wherein the The circulation operation is an operation in which the nozzle group reciprocates relative to the recording medium in the main scanning direction while ejecting liquid to form dots on the recording medium, and the conveying operation is to make the nozzle group An action of performing relative movement with the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction intersecting with the main scanning direction, in the recording method, including: a halftone processing step, based on the image data, and for the image data A plurality of halftone data corresponding to the liquid of a predetermined color is generated in the same region of the predetermined color; the distribution step is to distribute the respective halftone data in the plurality of halftone data to the predetermined recording region. Said circular action in the same direction in the reciprocating movement in the main scanning direction.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of a recording device according to Embodiment 1. FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the recording device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of nozzle arrangement when viewed from the lower surface of the recording head.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of basic functions of a printing machine in the prior art.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a matrix of a data space in which halftone data is developed in conventional halftone processing.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of a case where there is a difference in ink ejection characteristics between nozzle tips constituting a nozzle row, resulting in deviation in dot formation positions.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of a case in which dot formation positions are shifted between the forward path and the return path in the case of forming dots while the nozzle row is reciprocating.

8 is a flowchart showing functions of a printer driver included in the image processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG.

9 is a conceptual diagram showing matrix coordinates of halftone data respectively corresponding to nozzle tips in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of an image recorded in a printer having a characteristic of dot position deviation.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the recording method of the first embodiment.

12 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example and cycle operations of a recording head that realizes recording by the recording method of Embodiment 1 in a full-color printer.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the recording method of the second embodiment.

14 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example and cycle operations of a recording head that realizes recording by the recording method of Embodiment 2 in a full-color printer.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the recording method of the third embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the recording method of the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing a recording method of Embodiment 5. FIG.

FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the recording method of the sixth embodiment.

Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example and cycle operations of a recording head for realizing recording by the recording method of the sixth embodiment in a full-color printer.

FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the recording method of the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing a recording method in Embodiment 8. FIG.

FIG. 22 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing a recording method in Embodiment 9. FIG.

Fig. 23 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the recording method of the tenth embodiment.

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, embodiments embodying the invention of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings. The following is one embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, in each of the following drawings, in order to make the description easy to understand, it may be described on a scale different from the actual one. In addition, in the coordinates indicated in the drawings, the Z-axis direction is defined as the up-and-down direction, the +Z direction is defined as the upward direction, the X-axis direction is defined as the front-rear direction, the -X direction is defined as the near direction, and the Y-axis direction is defined as the front direction. Let the axis direction be the left-right direction, the +Y direction be the left direction, and the X-Y plane be the horizontal plane.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the configuration of a recording system 1 as a "recording device" according to Embodiment 1, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram thereof.

The recording system 1 is constituted by a printer 100 and an image processing device 110 connected to the printer 100 . The printer 100 is an inkjet printer that records a desired image on a long recording medium 5 supplied in a rolled state based on recording data received from an image processing device 110 .

As the recording medium 5, high-quality paper, cast paper, art paper, coated paper, synthetic paper, etc. can be used, for example. In addition, the recording medium 5 is not limited to such paper, and for example, a film made of cloth, PET (polyethyleneterephthalate: polyethylene terephthalate), PP (polypropylene: polypropylene), or the like can be used. In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the recording surface of the recording medium 5 is white is demonstrated as an example.

Basic structure of image processing device

The image processing device 110 includes a printer control unit 111 , an input unit 112 , a display unit 113 , a storage unit 114 , and the like, and controls a recording job that causes the printer 100 to perform recording. The image processing device 110 is configured using a personal computer as a preferable example.

The software for operating the image processing device 110 includes general image processing application software (hereinafter referred to as an application program) for processing recorded image data, or software for controlling the printer 100 or operating the printer 100. Printer driver software (hereinafter, referred to as a printer driver) that executes recorded recording data.

That is, the image processing device 110 generates recording data for causing the printer 100 to record a recording image based on the image data.

In addition, the printer driver is not limited to an example configured as a functional unit realized by software, and may be configured by firmware, for example. The firmware is installed, for example, in a SOC (System on Chip: System on Chip) in the control device 110 .

The printer control unit 111 includes a CPU 115 , an ASIC 116 , a DSP 117 , a memory 118 , a printer interface unit (I/F) 119 , and the like, and performs centralized management of the entire recording system 1 .

The input unit 112 is an information input unit as a man-machine interface. Specifically, for example, it is a port to which a keyboard, a mouse pointer, or an information input device is connected.

The display unit 113 is an information display unit (display) as a man-machine interface, and displays information input from the input unit 112 or images and records recorded on the printer 100 based on the control of the printer control unit 111. job-related information, etc.

The storage unit 114 is a rewritable storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a memory card, and stores software for operating the image processing device 110 (a program for operating by the printer control unit 111 ), or is associated with recorded image, record job-related information, etc.

The memory 118 is a storage medium that securely stores an area in which the program that the CPU 115 operates or a work area that performs the operation, etc. erasable programmable read-only memory) and other storage elements.

Basic structure of the printer 100

The printer 100 is composed of a recording unit 10 , a moving unit 20 , a control unit 30 , and the like. The printer 100 that receives the recording data from the image processing device 110 controls the recording unit 10 and the moving unit 20 through the control unit 30 based on the recording data, and records an image on the recording medium 5 (image formation).

The recording data is image data converted and processed by an application program and a printer driver included in the image processing device 110 into data for image formation that can be recorded by the printer 100 , and includes commands for controlling the printer 100 .

The image data includes, for example, general full-color image information (RGB data, etc.) obtained by a digital camera or the like, text information, and the like.

The recording unit 10 is composed of a head unit 11, an ink supply unit 12, and the like.

The moving unit 20 is composed of a main scanning unit 40, a transport unit 50, and the like. The main scanning unit 40 is composed of a carriage 41 , a guide shaft 42 , a carriage motor (not shown), and the like. The conveyance part 50 is comprised from the supply part 51, the storage part 52, the conveyance roller 53, the platen 55, etc. are comprised.

The head unit 11 includes a recording head 13 having a plurality of nozzles (nozzle groups) that discharge recording ink (hereinafter referred to as ink) as “liquid” as ink droplets, and a head control unit 14 . The head unit 11 is mounted on the carriage 41 and reciprocates in the main scanning direction along with the carriage 41 moving in the main scanning direction (the X-axis direction shown in FIG. 1 ). By moving the head unit 11 (recording head 13) in the main scanning direction and under the control of the control unit 30, ink droplets are ejected to the recording medium 5 supported by the platen 15, thereby forming a recording medium 5. Dot columns (raster lines) along the main scanning direction are displayed.

The ink supply unit 12 includes an ink tank, an ink supply channel (not shown) for supplying ink from the ink tank to the recording head 13 , and the like.

In the ink, for example, as an ink set composed of a thick ink composition, there is an ink set of three colors of cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) plus black (K ) and the four-color ink set obtained. In addition, for example, there are also light cyan (Lc), light magenta (Lm), light yellow (Ly), light black (Lk) composed of light ink compositions that lighten the concentration of the respective color materials. The eight-color ink set obtained by waiting for the ink set, etc. An ink tank, an ink supply channel, and an ink supply path to a nozzle that ejects the same ink are provided individually for each ink.

As a method of ejecting ink droplets (inkjet method), a piezoelectric method is used. In the piezoelectric method, a pressure corresponding to a recording information signal is applied to ink stored in a pressure chamber through a piezoelectric element (piezoelectric element), and an ink droplet is ejected (discharged) from a nozzle communicating with the pressure chamber. The way records are implemented.

In addition, the method of ejecting ink droplets is not limited to this, and other recording methods may be used in which ink is ejected in the form of droplets to form dot groups on a recording medium. For example, it is also possible to use a strong electric field between the nozzle and the acceleration electrode placed in front of the nozzle to continuously eject the ink in the form of droplets from the nozzle, and the deflection electrode will be driven from the deflection electrode while the ink drop is flying. A method of recording by supplying a recording information signal, or a method of ejecting ink droplets corresponding to a recording information signal without deflecting them (electrostatic attraction method), using a small pump to apply pressure to the ink and using a crystal vibrator A method of forcibly ejecting ink droplets by mechanically vibrating the nozzle, and a method of recording by ejecting ink droplets by heating and foaming the ink with a micro electrode according to a recording information signal (thermal inkjet method), and the like.

Under the control of the control unit 30 , the moving unit 20 (main scanning unit 40 , transport unit 50 ) relatively moves the head unit 11 (recording head 13 ) and the recording medium 5 .

The guide shaft 42 extends in the main scanning direction and supports the carriage 41 in a slidable state, and the carriage motor serves as a driving source for reciprocating the carriage 41 along the guide shaft 42 . That is, under the control of the control unit 30, the main scanning unit 40 (the carriage 41, the guide shaft 42, and the carriage motor) moves the carriage 41 (that is, the recording head 13) along the guide shaft 42 on the main scanning unit. Move in the scanning direction.

The supply unit 51 rotatably supports a reel on which the recording medium 5 is wound into a roll, and sends the recording medium 5 out along the transport path. The storage unit 52 rotatably supports a reel for winding the recording medium 5 , and winds the recording medium 5 on which recording has been completed from the transport path.

The transport roller 53 is composed of a driving roller that moves the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction (Y-axis direction shown in FIG. 1 ) intersecting the main scanning direction, a driven roller that rotates as the recording medium 5 moves, and the like. Thus, the transport path for transporting the recording medium 5 from the supply unit 51 to the storage unit 52 through the recording area of the recording unit 10 (the area where the recording head 13 performs main scanning movement on the upper surface of the platen 15 ) is constituted. .

The control unit 30 includes an interface unit (I/F) 31 , a CPU 32 , a memory 33 , a drive control unit 34 , and the like, and controls the printer 100 .

The interface unit 31 is connected to the printer interface unit 119 of the image processing device 110 , and transmits and receives data between the image processing device 110 and the printer 100 . The image processing apparatus 110 and the printer 100 may be directly connected with a cable or the like, or may be indirectly connected via a network or the like. In addition, data may be transmitted and received between the image processing apparatus 110 and the printer 100 via wireless communication.

The CPU 32 is an arithmetic processing unit for controlling the entire printer 100 .

The memory 33 is a storage medium securing an area for storing a program operating by the CPU 32 or a work area for operating, and is constituted by storage elements such as RAM and EEPROM.

The CPU 32 controls the recording unit 10 and the moving unit 20 via the drive control unit 34 based on programs stored in the memory 33 and recording data received from the image processing device 110 .

The drive control unit 34 controls the drive of the recording unit 10 (head unit 11 , ink supply unit 12 ) and moving unit 20 (main scanner unit 40 , transport unit 50 ) based on the control of the CPU 32 . The drive control unit 34 includes a movement control signal generation circuit 35 , a discharge control signal generation circuit 36 , and a drive signal generation circuit 37 .

The movement control signal generation circuit 35 is a circuit that generates a signal for controlling the movement unit 20 (main scanner unit 40 , transport unit 50 ) according to an instruction from the CPU 32 .

The ejection control signal generation circuit 36 is a circuit for generating head control signals for selecting nozzles for ejecting ink, selection of ejection amount, control of ejection timing, etc. based on recording data and in accordance with instructions from the CPU 32 .

The drive signal generation circuit 37 is a circuit that generates basic drive signals including a drive signal for driving the piezoelectric element of the recording head 13 .

The drive control unit 34 selectively drives the corresponding piezoelectric elements of the respective nozzles based on the head control signal and the basic drive signal.

Nozzle row (head)

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing an example of nozzle arrangement when viewed from the lower surface of the recording head 13 .

As shown in FIG. 3 , the recording head 13 has six (black ink nozzle row K, cyan ink nozzle row C, magenta ink nozzle row M, A yellow ink nozzle row Y, a gray ink nozzle row LK, and a light cyan ink nozzle row LC) serve as the nozzle row 130 of the "nozzle group". The respective nozzle rows 130 are arranged in parallel at constant intervals (nozzle row pitch) along a direction intersecting the sub-scanning direction (X-axis direction).

The nozzle row 130 is composed of two nozzle tips 131 (nozzle tip 1311, nozzle tip 1312) extending in the Y-axis direction and arranged consecutively as a "nozzle group". 200 nozzles of #1 to #200 arranged in a row at constant intervals (nozzle pitch).

The nozzle tip 131 is manufactured using, for example, a silicon wafer as a base material through a MEMS (MicroElectro Mechanical Systems: microelectromechanical systems) manufacturing process using a semiconductor process, and the 200 nozzles included in the nozzle tip 131 constitute an ink ejection system. Groups of nozzles with the same or similar characteristics.

That is, the recording head 13 constituting the “nozzle group” is constituted by the nozzle tips 131 as a plurality of “nozzle subgroups”.

In addition, in the present embodiment, black (K), which has a high contrast with respect to the recording medium 5 having a white recording surface, will be described as an example as the "predetermined color". That is, the black (K) ink ejected by the black ink nozzle row K is "predetermined color liquid", while the five nozzle rows 130 (cyan ink nozzle row C, The red ink nozzle row M, the yellow ink nozzle row Y, the gray ink nozzle row LK, and the light blue-green ink nozzle row LC) are respectively the "second nozzle group", and the five colors ejected by the five nozzle rows 130 The inks are respectively “second color liquids” different from predetermined colors.

According to the above configuration, the control unit 30 forms (records) a desired image on the recording medium 5 by repeating the following loop operation and conveyance operation (transportation operation) in which a desired image is formed (recorded) along the The carriage 41 that supports the recording head 13 by guiding the shaft 42 is positioned in the main scanning direction (X-axis direction) with respect to the recording medium 5 supplied to the recording area by the transport unit 50 (supply unit 51, transport roller 53). While moving, ink droplets are ejected (applied) from the recording head 13. The conveying operation is to move the recording medium 5 in the sub-scanning direction ( +Y direction) movement action.

Basic Functions of Printer Drivers in the Prior Art

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of basic functions of a printer driver in the prior art.

Recording to the recording medium 5 is started when recording data is sent from the image processing device 110 to the printer 100 . Logging data is generated by the printer driver.

Hereinafter, the record data generation process in the conventional technique will be described with reference to FIG. 4 .

The printer driver acquires image data from an application program, converts it into recording data in a form that the printer 100 can understand, and outputs the recording data to the printer 100 . The printer driver performs resolution conversion processing, color conversion processing, halftone processing, rasterization processing, command addition processing, and the like when converting image data from an application program into recording data.

The resolution conversion process is a process of converting the image data output from the application program into a resolution (recording resolution) for recording on the recording medium 5 . For example, in the case where the recording resolution is designated as 720×720 dpi, image data in vector format acquired from an application is converted into image data in bitmap format with a resolution of 720×720 dpi. Each piece of pixel data of the image data after the resolution conversion process is composed of pixels arranged in a matrix. Each pixel has a grayscale value of, for example, 256 grayscales in the RGB color space. That is, the pixel data after resolution conversion represents the grayscale value of the corresponding pixel.

Pixel data corresponding to one column of pixels arranged in a matrix in pixels arranged in a matrix is called raster data. In addition, the predetermined direction in which the pixels corresponding to the raster data are arranged corresponds to the moving direction of the recording head 13 (main scanning direction) when recording an image.

The color conversion process is a process of converting RGB data into data in a CMYK color system space. The CMYK colors refer to cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), and the image data in the CMYK color system space is data corresponding to the color of the ink that the printer 100 has. . Therefore, for example, when the printer 100 uses ten inks of the CMYK color system, the printer driver generates image data in a ten-dimensional space of the CMYK color system based on the RGB data.

This color conversion process is performed based on a table (color conversion lookup table LUT) that associates the gradation values of RGB data with the gradation values of CMYK color system data. In addition, the pixel data after the color conversion process is represented by a CMYK color space, for example, 256-gradation CMYK color system data.

The halftone processing is a process of converting data of a high number of gradations (256 gradations) into data of a gradation number that can be formed by the printer 100 . Through this halftone processing, data representing 256 gradations is converted into, for example, 1-bit data representing 2 gradations (dots, no dots), or 4 gradations (no dots, small dots, medium dots, large dots). Halftone data that determines the formation state of dots, such as 2-bit data. Specifically, from the dot formation rate table corresponding to the gradation value (0 to 255) and the dot formation rate, the dot generation rate corresponding to the gradation value is obtained (for example, in the case of 4 gradations, is the respective generation rate of no dot, small dot, medium dot, and large dot), and at the obtained generation rate, the pixel data is completed in such a manner that the dots are dispersed and formed using a dithering method, an error diffusion method, or the like. In this way, in the halftone processing, halftone data that determines the formation state of dots formed by nozzle groups that eject ink of the same color are generated.

The rasterization process is a process of rearranging pixel data (for example, 1-bit or 2-bit halftone data as described above) arranged in a matrix according to the dot formation order at the time of recording. Rasterization processing includes distribution processing of distributing image data composed of halftone-processed pixel data (halftone data) to the image data while the recording head 13 (nozzle row 130) is performing main scanning movement. Process for each cycle of ejecting ink droplets. When the distribution process is completed, the pixel data arranged in a matrix is distributed to the actual nozzles forming the respective raster lines constituting the recorded image in each cycle operation.

The command adding process is a process of adding command data corresponding to the recording method to the rasterized data. As the command data, there are, for example, conveyance data related to conveyance specifications of the recording medium 5 (the amount of movement in the sub-scanning direction, the speed, and the like), and the like.

These processes implemented by the printer driver are executed by the ASIC 116 and DSP 117 (see FIG. 2 ) under the control of the CPU 115, and the generated record data is transmitted to the printer 100 via the printer interface unit 119 through the record data transmission process.

Correction of recorded image in the prior art

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a matrix of a data space in which halftone data is developed in conventional halftone processing. At the position shown by the circular mark, 1-bit data or 2-bit data corresponding to the above-mentioned dot formation state is developed, the data is subjected to rasterization processing (distribution processing), and the Instead, dot formation based on halftone data is carried out.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of a case where there is a difference in ink ejection characteristics between nozzle tips 131 constituting the nozzle array 130 , resulting in deviation in dot formation positions.

For example, the dot position where the nozzle tip 1312 is formed deviates in the +Y direction as indicated by numeral 2 in FIG. 6 relative to the dot position where the nozzle tip 1311 is formed (position indicated by numeral 1 in FIG. In the case of the amount of Δy, sometimes the dots formed by the nozzle tip 1311 and the dots formed by the nozzle tip 1312 produce denser (closer) parts and thinner (separated) parts in the Y-axis direction, so that in the recorded Color unevenness (banding) was visually confirmed in the image of .

With respect to the positional deviation of such dots in the Y-axis direction (sub-scanning direction), for example, recording by the nozzle tip 1311 and recording by the nozzle tip 1312 are performed in different cyclic operations, and the transfer between the cyclic operations is carried out. The amount (conveying amount) is adjusted, so that the position deviation of the point can be corrected.

In addition, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of a case where the dot formation positions deviate between the forward path and the return path when the nozzle row 130 forms dots while reciprocating.

For example, the position in the X direction where the nozzle row 130 is formed on the return path (movement to the −X direction) is relative to the position in the X direction where the nozzle row 130 is formed on the outbound path (movement to the +X direction). When the position deviates from the position by Δx in the -X direction, for example, when recording a thinner scribe line extending in the Y-axis direction, the width of the scribe line becomes thinner or thicker by Δx, Or it may be a zigzag instead of a straight line, or a dashed line with a difference in height. In addition, in the recording of small characters, the characters may be deformed and become difficult to read.

For such misalignment of dots in the X-axis direction (main scanning direction), the misalignment of dots can be corrected by, for example, adjusting the ejection timing of nozzles in cyclic operation.

However, the correction (adjustment) of these dot position deviations requires evaluation of the recording characteristics of each printer 100 (for example, the ink ejection characteristics of the recording head 13 (each nozzle tip 131 constituted)) and based on the evaluation results. Determine the adjustment amount (correction amount) individually. In addition, as the printer 100, it is necessary to have a mechanism capable of reflecting each determined adjustment amount (correction amount) (for example, a mechanism for storing each adjustment amount (correction amount), each nozzle reflecting the adjustment amount (correction amount) The ejection timing adjustment mechanism of the tip 131, or each delivery amount adjustment mechanism for each cycle operation).

Functions of the printer driver in Embodiment 1

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the functions of the printer driver included in the image processing device 110 according to this embodiment.

The image processing device 110 is characterized in that it includes, as a functional unit of the printer driver, a halftone processing unit 120 that generates, based on the image data, a color that is different from black ( A plurality of (specifically, for example, two as described below) halftone data corresponding to the ink of K).

Furthermore, the image processing device 110 is characterized by including a distributing unit 121 for distributing the respective halftone data among the plurality of halftone data generated by the halftone processing unit 120 in the “predetermined recording area”. Gives circular action in the same direction in the reciprocating movement in the main scanning direction.

Here, the "predetermined recording area" is an area where the nozzle tip 131 which ejects black (K) ink can perform recording by one cycle operation without the transport operation.

As described with reference to FIG. 4 , in conventional image processing, halftone processing is performed on the same area of image data (the same target area for generating recording data) as a whole. Data is assigned to each cyclic action to generate log data.

On the other hand, in the image processing in the present embodiment, first, in the halftone processing unit 120, a plurality of halftone data (specifically, such as As shown in FIG. 8 , there are two halftone data (halftone data 201 , which determines the formation state of dots formed with nozzle tip 1311 , and halftone data 202 , which determines the formation state of dots formed with nozzle tip 1312 ) (halftone processing process). Hereinafter, the halftone processing for generating the halftone data 201 corresponding to the nozzle tip 1311 is referred to as first halftone processing. In addition, the halftone processing for generating the halftone data 202 corresponding to the nozzle tip 1312 is referred to as second halftone processing.

Next, the distributing section 121 distributes the halftone data 201 to the circular operation in the same direction in the reciprocating movement of the nozzle tip 1311 in the main scanning direction in a predetermined recording area, and distributes the halftone data 202 in a predetermined recording area. The cycle operation in the same direction is assigned to the reciprocating movement of the nozzle tip 1312 in the main scanning direction (assignment process).

Hereinafter, specific examples will be described.

Example 1

9 is a conceptual diagram showing matrix coordinates of halftone data (halftone data 201 , halftone data 202 ) corresponding to nozzle tips 131 (nozzle tip 1311 , nozzle tip 1312 ) in the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, in order to simplify the description, each nozzle tip 131 is shown to be constituted by eight nozzles. Also, as the simplest example, it is shown that the matrix coordinates of the halftone data are set as two halftone processes (processing of generating halftone data 201 and processing of generating halftone data 202 ) applied to the same area of image data. Different examples.

As shown in FIG. 9 , in the first halftone process corresponding to the nozzle tip 1311 , halftone data is developed so that the density in the X-axis direction (main scanning direction) becomes half in matrix coordinates. In addition, in the second halftone processing corresponding to the nozzle tip 1312, the halftone data is developed so that the density in the X-axis direction (main scanning direction) becomes half as in the first halftone processing, and As shown in FIG. 9 , development is carried out so that the development coordinate position becomes a coordinate position for filling in gaps in the density-halved coordinates developed in the first halftone process.

As shown in FIG. 8, the halftone processing section 120, which is a functional section of the printer driver, performs such two halftone processes (the first halftone process and the second halftone process) on the entire area of the same target area where the record data is generated. ), thereby obtaining two halftone data (halftone data 201 corresponding to the first halftone process and halftone data 202 corresponding to the second halftone process).

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of an image when recording is performed using these halftone data in the printer 100 having the above-mentioned dot position deviation characteristics of Δx and Δy.

In the area on the right side of FIG. 10 , the dot position indicated by numeral 1 indicates the dot position formed by the nozzle tip 1311 based on the halftone data 201, and the dot position indicated by numeral 2 indicates the dot position formed by the nozzle tip 1311 based on the halftone data 202. The point location formed by the nozzle tip 1312. In addition, in the area on the right side of FIG. 10 , dot positions indicated by circular marks indicate the forward path direction (+X direction) in the reciprocating movement of the nozzle row 130 in the main scanning direction (X-axis direction). The point position formed by the movement on the forward path (that is, the cyclic action of the forward path), and the point position shown by the square mark represents the point position formed by the movement in the direction of the return path (-X direction) (that is, the cyclic action of the return path). The formed point position.

In addition, FIG. 10 shows the case where the predetermined recording region Rn is formed by two cycles (two cycle operations), and the density on the X-axis direction (main scanning direction) is half-weighted by the first cycle operation. The recording is carried out, and the recording medium 5 is transported by the transport amount L, and the recording is performed in such a manner as to fill up the portion where the density has been halved through the next cyclic operation.

In addition, in FIG. 10 , the relative positions of the nozzle rows 130 formed by each stage movement for each transport amount L of the recording medium 5 are shown obliquely so that the nozzle rows 130 do not overlap. That is, in FIG. 10 , the nozzle row 130 is depicted as being moved in the −Y direction, but actually the recording medium 5 moves in the +Y direction. In addition, the positional relationship of the nozzle rows 130 in the X-axis direction is meaningless.

In addition, the area Rn (R1 to R4) shown in FIG. 10 is an area where the nozzle tip 1311 or the nozzle tip 1312 can perform recording by one cycle operation without the transport operation, and corresponds to the "planned recording area". (Hereinbelow, referred to as planned recording region Rn (R1 to R4)).

The allocation unit 121 performs allocation for each cycle of the nozzle tip 1311 based on the halftone data 201 in such a manner as to correspond to the recording in the two cycles, and performs allocation for each cycle of the nozzle tip 1312 based on the halftone data 201 . 202 to implement the allocation, thereby generating record data.

Also, as can be seen from FIG. 10 , each nozzle tip 131 performs recording based on the same halftone data over the entire same area (in FIG. 10 , the entire predetermined recording areas R1 to R4 ). That is, the nozzle tip 1311 performs recording based on the halftone data 201 over the entire same area, and the nozzle tip 1312 performs recording based on the halftone data 202 over the entire same area.

In addition, the distributing unit 121 distributes the halftone data 201 to the reciprocating motion in the same direction in the reciprocating movement of the nozzle tip 1311 in the main scanning direction (X-axis direction) in the predetermined recording area Rn, In Rn, the halftone data 202 is assigned to the reciprocating motion of the nozzle tip 1312 in the main scanning direction in the same direction of the reciprocating movement. That is, the allocating unit 121 is within the predetermined recording region Rn so that the formation of dots on the outbound path based on the halftone data 201 and the formation of dots on the return path based on the halftone data 201 are not mixed. distribution in a manner. Also, in the same manner, the allocating unit 121 is within the predetermined recording region Rn so that the formation of dots on the outbound path based on the halftone data 202 and the formation of dots on the return path based on the halftone data 202 are not mixed. distribution in a manner.

That is to say, although the recording of the predetermined recording area Rn is the recording of the resolution after halving, it is carried out as the following recording, that is, the points on the forward route and the return route that are not affected by the cyclic operation The recording by the nozzle tip 1311 which is affected by the positional deviation and the recording by the same nozzle tip 1312 are superimposed.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the recording method of this embodiment (the recording method shown in FIG. 10 ).

In FIG. 11 , recording by the nozzle tip 1311 based on the halftone data 201 is indicated by a solid arrow HT1 , and recording by the nozzle tip 1312 by the halftone data 202 is indicated by a dotted arrow HT2 . The direction of each arrow mark indicates the main scanning direction of the cyclic operation. For example, the predetermined recording region R1 indicates the circulation action in the forward path direction (+X direction) based on the halftone data 201 realized by the nozzle tip 1311 and the return path based on the halftone data 202 realized by the nozzle tip 1312 The area to be recorded by the cyclic operation in the direction (-X direction) of these two cyclic operations.

The assignment unit 121 assigns each of the plurality of halftone data to a loop operation over the entire same area of the image data by at least one nozzle tip 131 among the plurality of nozzle tips 131, Recording is performed by superimposing recordings based on respective halftone data.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11 , the distributing unit 121 distributes the halftone data 201 to the nozzle tips over the entire same region of the image data (in FIG. 11 , the entire predetermined recording regions R1 to R4 ). 1311, the halftone data 202 is allocated to the loop operation performed by the nozzle tip 1312 so that the halftone data 202 covers the entire same area of the image data, and the recording by the nozzle tip 1311 and the nozzle tip 1312 are overlapped, thereby The recorded image is recorded. In addition, in each predetermined recording region Rn, the circulation operation on the forward route based on the halftone data 201 by the nozzle tip 1311 and the circulation operation on the return route based on the halftone data 201 by the nozzle tip 1311 are parallel. In addition, in each predetermined recording region R, the circulation action on the forward path based on the halftone data 202 by the nozzle tip 1312 and the return path based on the halftone data 202 by the nozzle tip 1312 are not mixed together. The loop actions are not mixed together.

According to this recording method, since recording is performed through the nozzle tip 1311 over the entire recorded area, and recording is performed over the entire recorded area through the nozzle tip 1312, even when the nozzle tip 1311 and the Even when there is a difference in ink ejection characteristics between the nozzle tips 1312, density unevenness does not occur at the boundary (the boundary in the Y-axis direction) between the nozzle tips 1311 and 1312. The influence of the difference in ink ejection characteristics is dispersed over the entire recorded area. Therefore, it is possible to implement good shading unevenness that is difficult to visually recognize due to denser (closer) portions and thinner (separated) portions in the Y-axis direction as shown in FIG. 6 . Record. Furthermore, although the resolution of the halftone data 201 and the halftone data 202 is lowered as described above, the images generated as the respective original image data are maintained image data (for example, as text (image data whose visibility has not deteriorated or whose degradation has been suppressed), and images based on the halftone data are superimposed for recording, so better recording can be performed.

In addition, since the direction of the circulation operation performed by each nozzle tip 131 (nozzle tip 1311, nozzle tip 1312) is the same direction in each predetermined recording region Rn, in each predetermined recording region Rn, based on each The recorded images of the respective halftone data (halftone data 201, halftone data 202) in charge of the nozzle tip 131 (nozzle tip 1311, nozzle tip 1312) can be recorded independently of the nozzle row 130 (nozzle tip) in circulation operation. 131) The recording is performed under the influence of the point position deviation caused by the difference in the moving direction. For example, since the small characters recorded in each predetermined recording area Rn are based on images of the respective halftone data (halftone data 201, halftone data 202 each), they are not affected by the reciprocating movement of the recording head 13. Since it is recorded under the influence of the dot position deviation caused by the difference in the moving direction, it is recorded under the condition that the visibility as characters does not deteriorate.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example and cycle operation of the recording head 13 for realizing recording in the recording method of the present embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 in the full-color printer 100 . Similar to FIG. 10 , the relative positions of the recording heads 13 obtained by the stepwise movement of the recording medium 5 for each transport amount are shown obliquely so that the recording heads 13 do not overlap.

The recording head 13 has six nozzle rows 130 (black ink nozzle row K, cyan ink nozzle row C, magenta ink nozzle row M, yellow ink nozzle row Y, gray ink nozzle row LK, light cyan ink nozzle row LC) , and each of the nozzle rows 130 is different from the example of the recording head 13 illustrated in FIG.

The five nozzle rows 130 other than the black ink nozzle row K (nozzle row 130 that ejects ink of black (K) as a “predetermined color”) are based on the prior art described by referring to FIG. 4 . The generated recording data is processed by image processing to execute a loop operation. Specifically, recording is performed based on recording data in which halftone data corresponding to each nozzle row 130 is assigned to each of the four nozzle rows so that the recording is completed through four cycles of operations. The data of each nozzle tip 131 (nozzle tips 1311-1314).

Here, five nozzle rows 130 (cyan ink nozzle row C, magenta ink nozzle row M, yellow ink nozzle row Y, gray ink nozzle row LK, light cyan ink nozzle row The ink ejected by LC) is the "second color ink", and the nozzles constituting the five nozzle rows 130 other than the black ink nozzle row K are the "second nozzle row". Also, the halftone data respectively corresponding to the five nozzle rows 130 other than the black ink nozzle row K is "second halftone data".

That is, the recording head 13 has a second nozzle row that ejects ink of a second color different from a predetermined color, and the distributing unit 121 acquires the ink of the second color generated for the same area of the image data based on the image data. corresponding to the second halftone data, and assign the second halftone data to the reciprocating movement in the main scanning direction of the second nozzle column in the same direction or in the reciprocating direction of the cyclical action.

In addition, although the black ink nozzle row K has four nozzle tips 131 (nozzle tips 1311 to 1314 ) like the other nozzle rows 130 , the nozzle tips 1313 and 1314 are not used in the recording method of this embodiment. Therefore, the black ink nozzle row K may not have the nozzle tips 1313 , 1314 . As shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the recording performed by the black ink nozzle row K is such that the recording is completed in two cycles to generate halftone data 201 and halftone data 202, and distribute them to Nozzle tips 1311,1312.

According to the full-color recording method of this embodiment shown in FIG. 12 , in the recording realized by the black (K) ink having a high contrast with respect to the white recording medium 5, since the nozzle tip 1311 and the nozzle tip 1312 are respectively Since recording is performed over the entire recorded area, even if there is a difference in ink ejection characteristics between the nozzle tip 1311 and the nozzle tip 1312, the ink discharge characteristic does not appear at the boundary between the nozzle tip 1311 and the nozzle tip 1312. In the case of uneven density, the influence of the difference in ink ejection characteristics is dispersed to the entire recorded area. Therefore, it is possible to perform favorable recording in which the influence thereof is not easily recognized visually. In addition, in the recording realized by the black (K) ink, since the direction of the circulation operation performed by the respective nozzle tips 131 (nozzle tips 1311, nozzle tips 1312) in each predetermined recording region Rn becomes the same direction, Therefore, each nozzle tip 131 (nozzle tip 1311, nozzle tip 1311, nozzle tip 1312) is responsible for recording images. That is, it is possible to reduce the visibility of characters or the line quality of the drawn lines in the recording of characters, drawn lines, etc., which are achieved by black (K) ink having a high contrast with respect to the white recording medium 5 Suppressed, higher quality recording.

In addition, color recording by ink of a color other than black (K) can effectively perform recording by a larger number of circulation operations than black ink.

Example 2

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the recording method of the second embodiment with respect to FIG. 11 showing the recording method of the first embodiment.

In the recording method of this embodiment, in each predetermined recording region Rn, the direction in which the nozzle tip 1311 and the nozzle tip 1312 circulate in the same direction is set.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example and a cycle operation of the recording head 13 that realizes recording by the recording method of this embodiment by the full-color printer 100 .

Five nozzle rows 130 (cyan ink nozzle row C, magenta ink nozzle row M, yellow ink nozzle row Y, gray ink nozzle row LK, light cyan ink nozzle row LC) other than the black ink nozzle row K The structure and recording method are the same as in Example 1. Although the black ink nozzle row K has four nozzle tips 131 (nozzle tips 1311 to 1314), in the recording method of this embodiment, the nozzle tips 1311, 1313 are not used. Therefore, the black ink nozzle row K may not have the nozzle tips 1311 , 1313 . As shown in FIG. 13 , the recording by the black ink nozzle row K is such that the recording is completed in two cycles to generate halftone data 201 and halftone data 202 and distribute them to the nozzle tip 1311. , 1312.

According to the recording method of the present embodiment, since the direction of the circular movement of the nozzle tip 1311 and the nozzle tip 1312 becomes the same direction in each predetermined recording region Rn, it is possible to achieve the same in each predetermined recording region Rn without being affected by factors. Recording is carried out under the condition that the influence of point position deviation caused by the difference in the movement direction of the cyclic operation is maintained.

Example 3

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the recording method of the third embodiment.

In the recording method of this embodiment, the direction of the circular operation of the nozzle tip 1311 and the nozzle tip 1312 is set to be the same direction in all the predetermined recording regions Rn. In addition, the description of the structure for carrying out the recording of this embodiment by the full-color printer 100 is omitted.

According to the recording method of the present embodiment, it is possible to perform good recording in which density unevenness caused by denser and thinner dots in the Y-axis direction is difficult to be visually recognized over the entire recording area. In addition, it is possible to perform recording over the entire recording area without being affected by a shift in dot position due to a difference in the movement direction of the cyclic operation.

Example 4

FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the recording method of the fourth embodiment.

In the recording method of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, a method is adopted in which the directions of the circular operation of the nozzle tip 1311 and the nozzle tip 1312 are the same in the predetermined recording regions R1 and R2 and the predetermined recording regions R3 and R4.

According to the recording method of this embodiment, since the cyclic operation performed by each nozzle tip 131 (nozzle tip 1311, nozzle tip 1312) in the predetermined recording regions R1, R2 and in the predetermined recording regions R3, R4 Since the direction is the same direction, it is not affected by the difference in the moving direction of the nozzle row 130 (nozzle tip 131) during the cyclic operation within a range in which the width in the Y-axis direction is larger than that of the first embodiment. The conditions under which the resulting point position deviates from the effect are recorded.

Example 5

FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing a recording method of Embodiment 5. FIG.

In the recording method of this embodiment, the direction in which the nozzle tip 1311 circulates is set to be the same in all the predetermined recording regions Rn. In addition, in all the predetermined recording regions Rn, the direction in which the nozzle tip 1312 circulates is set to be the same direction, and the same direction is opposite to the direction in which the nozzle tip 1311 circulates.

According to the recording method of this embodiment, since the direction of the circulating operation of the nozzle tip 1311 is made to be the same direction throughout the entire recording area, it is possible to cover the entire recording area without being affected by nozzles in the circulating operation. The recorded image in charge of the nozzle tip 1311 is recorded under the influence of the dot position shift caused by the difference in the moving direction of the column 130 (nozzle tip 131 ). In addition, since the direction in which the nozzle tip 1312 circulates in the same direction over the entire recording area, it is possible to cover the entire recording area without being affected by the number of nozzle rows 130 (nozzle tips) that are circulating. 131) under the influence of the dot position deviation caused by the difference in the moving direction of the nozzle tip 1312 to record the recorded image.

Example 6

FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the recording method of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example and cycle operations of the recording head 13 for realizing recording in the recording method of the present embodiment in the full-color printer 100 .

In Embodiments 1 to 5, the halftone data 201 and the halftone data 202 are generated in such a manner that the recording by the black ink nozzle row K is completed in two cycles, and distributed to the nozzle tips 1311 and 1312, On the other hand, in the recording method of the present embodiment, the recording is completed in four cycles using the four nozzle tips 1311 to 1314 .

Five nozzle rows 130 (cyan ink nozzle row C, magenta ink nozzle row M, yellow ink nozzle row Y, gray ink nozzle row LK, light cyan ink nozzle row LC) other than the black ink nozzle row K The structure and recording method are the same as in Example 1.

The black ink nozzle row K in this embodiment has four nozzle tips 131 (nozzle tips 1311 to 1314 ), and recording by the black ink nozzle row K is completed by four cycles as shown in FIG. 18 .

Specifically, the halftone processing unit 120 generates two pieces of halftone data (halftone data 211 , 212 ) for the same target area where recording data is to be generated. Next, the distributing unit 121 distributes the halftone data 211 to the forward path of the black ink nozzle row K (nozzle tips 1311 to 1314) so that the recording is completed in four cycles as shown in FIG. 19 . The cyclic operation of distributing the halftone data 212 to the return path of the black ink nozzle row K (nozzle tips 1311-1314) is a cyclic operation. Although in Embodiments 1 to 5, one halftone data among the plurality of generated halftone data is applied to the same nozzle tip 131, it is also possible to use the forward path and return A method of assigning different halftone data on the path to one nozzle tip 131 .

According to the recording method of this embodiment, since the direction of the cyclic operation of recording based on the halftone data 211 is made the same direction over the entire recording area, it is possible to cover the entire recording area without being affected. The recorded image based on the halftone data 211 is recorded under the influence of the dot position shift due to the difference in the moving direction of the nozzle row 130 (nozzle tip 131 ) during the cyclic operation. In addition, since the direction of the cyclic operation of recording based on the halftone data 212 is set to the same direction over the entire recording area, it is possible to cover the entire recording area without being affected by the number of nozzle rows in the cyclic operation. The recording image based on the halftone data 212 is recorded under the influence of the dot position shift caused by the difference in the moving direction of the nozzle tip 130 (nozzle tip 131 ).

Example 7 to Example 10

20 to 23 are conceptual diagrams schematically showing the recording methods of the seventh to tenth embodiments.

Examples 7 to 10 correspond to each of Examples 1 to 4 in which the recording by the black ink nozzle row K is completed in two cycles, and four cycles are used. An example of a situation where the loop action is done in a manner. Also in such a recording method, the same effect can be obtained.

As described above, according to the recording device, image processing device, and recording method according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

Recording of a recorded image by the nozzle row 130 that ejects black (K) ink (ink of a predetermined color) can be performed using a plurality of halftone data generated for the same area of image data. As a result, for example, when the nozzle row 130 is constituted by a plurality of heads (nozzle tips having a plurality of nozzles) having differences in the ejection characteristics of ink ejecting black (K), it is also possible to use the By recording different halftone data for each head and overlapping the recordings performed by the respective heads in the same area, recording images are recorded in which differences in the ejection characteristics of the respective heads are not easily recognized visually.

In addition, since in a predetermined recording area, each of the halftone data among the plurality of halftone data corresponding to black (K) ink generated for the same area of the image data is assigned to the main scanning direction Circulation in the same direction in the reciprocating movement, therefore, can be implemented by black (K) ink under the condition that it is not affected by the dot position deviation caused by the difference in the moving direction of the nozzle row 130 in the circulation. Each recording corresponding to the respective halftone data is realized.

As a result, it is possible to adopt a mode in which suppression can be performed without evaluating the discharge characteristics (dot position deviation) of the nozzle row 130 that discharges black (K) ink, or correcting based on the evaluation results. The effect of ejection characteristics is documented. In addition, it is not necessary to provide correction means (for example, drive waveform generation data correction means) for each nozzle group (nozzle tip 131 ) that may have different discharge characteristics, and cost can be reduced. In addition, since it is not necessary to calculate the correction amount according to the ink ejection characteristics of each nozzle row 130, it is not necessary to adjust the timing.

Furthermore, the recording system 1 includes a halftone processing unit 120 that generates a plurality of halftone data corresponding to black (K) ink for the same area of the image data based on the image data. Therefore, there is no need to provide a device (image processing device) that generates these halftone data outside the recording system 1 .

Further, the distributing unit 121 distributes each of the plurality of halftone data corresponding to the black (K) ink generated for the same region of the image data based on the image data to each of the plurality of nozzle tips 131. The recording system 1 performs recording by superimposing the recording based on the respective halftone data in the cyclic operation performed by one nozzle tip 131 of the image data throughout the same area of the image data. As a result, even if there is a difference in the ejection characteristics of the respective nozzle tips 131 that eject black (K) ink, the recording images recorded by the respective nozzle tips 131 will be distorted over the entire same area. Since they are overlapped, it is suppressed that the difference in discharge characteristics between the nozzle tips 131 is manifested.

As a result, it is not necessary to perform correction to correspond to the discharge characteristics of the respective nozzle tips 131 in order to suppress the difference in discharge characteristics between the nozzle tips 131 that discharge black (K) ink. That is, it is not necessary to find a correction amount corresponding to the ejection characteristics of each nozzle tip 131 that ejects black (K) ink, and it is not necessary to provide a correction for correcting the correction amount obtained for each nozzle tip 131. unit.

In addition, since recording based on the same halftone data is performed over the same area as a whole for each nozzle tip 131 that ejects black (K) ink, the loop operation for performing this recording is performed in a predetermined recording area and It is carried out in the same direction in the reciprocating movement in the main scanning direction, so it can be in a predetermined recording area without being affected by the dot position deviation caused by the difference in the moving direction of each nozzle tip 131. Implementation records.

In addition, the predetermined recording area is an area where recording can be performed by the nozzle tip 131 which ejects black (K) ink by one cycle operation not accompanied by the transport operation. That is to say, the nozzle tip 131 can be implemented by one cycle operation not accompanied by the transport operation without being affected by the dot position deviation caused by the difference in the moving direction of the nozzle row 130 in the cycle operation. Each recording is realized by respective halftone data among a plurality of halftone data corresponding to black (K) ink in the recorded area (predetermined recording area).

In addition, since the recording by the ink of the second color different from the predetermined color can be carried out by the same direction of circulation in the main scanning direction or the circulation of the reciprocating direction, it can be effectively carried out. Record.

In addition, the invention of the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various changes, improvements, etc. can be added to the above-mentioned embodiment. Hereinafter, modification examples will be described. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same structural parts as those in Embodiment 1, and overlapping descriptions will be omitted.

Variation 1

As shown in FIG. 2, although in Embodiment 1, the case where the recording system 1 as the "recording device" includes the image processing device 110, and the image processing device 110 includes the halftone processing unit 120 and the distributing unit 121 is taken as an example. For the sake of explanation, the “recording device” may not include the halftone processing unit 120 . Specifically, the “recording device” may be constituted by the printer 100 that does not include the image processing device 110 but includes the distribution unit 121 as a functional unit of the control unit 30 .

That is, the printer 100 as the "recording device" in Modification 1 acquires the image data based on the image data from an external electronic device (for example, a personal computer) having the function of the halftone processing unit 120 via the interface unit 31 included in the control unit 30 . A plurality of halftone data with black (K) ink (ink of a predetermined color) generated for the same area of image data. In addition, a distributing unit 121 is provided for distributing each of the obtained plurality of halftone data to a loop in the same direction in the reciprocating movement in the main scanning direction in a predetermined recording area. action.

Even with such a configuration, the same effects as those described in Embodiment 1 can be obtained.

Variation 2

In Embodiment 1, the "predetermined color" is described as an example of black (K), which has a strong contrast with respect to the recording medium 5 having a white recording surface, but the "predetermined color" is not limited to is black (black (K)). The same effect can be obtained as long as it is a color with high contrast to the surface color of the recording medium 5 .

In addition, although the word "contrast" sometimes only indicates the degree of difference in degree (lightness and darkness) or brightness in some fields, in this application, the original meaning of contrast, that is, "(explicitly showing different) comparison, contrast, or difference shown thereby" is used. Therefore, the contrast in the description of the present application is not limited to the difference in lightness, etc., but also includes the difference in color, reflectance, brightness (gloss), shade, etc., and also refers to their different degrees, especially the degree of visual difference ( discernment). For example, it is a concept that, in addition to black (K) with respect to the white recording medium 5 and cyan with respect to red, etc., it also includes lower and higher chroma, more and less brightness, etc. overall differences that can be compared visually. In addition, the color with strong contrast is not limited to (for example, such as cyan to red, etc.) and the color with strong contrast, but also includes colors with a tendency to be close to it (for example, between cyan and green relative to red, etc.). The hue is the main color), etc., and the outline of the printed part becomes visually clearer than other colors.

The recording system 1 (see FIG. 2 ) as Modification 2 can designate a “predetermined color” from the input unit 112 included in the image processing device 110 .

Specifically, the image processing device 110 displays the type of ink included in the ink supply unit 12 of the printer 100 (for example, cyan (C), magenta (M, etc.) on the user interface screen displayed by the printer driver on the display unit 113 . ), yellow (Y), light cyan (Lc), light magenta (Lm), light yellow (Ly), light black (Lk), etc.), so that the user can select from the displayed Select from the types of inks available to specify the "predetermined color".

The printer driver implements the recording by the selected ink type by the functions of the halftone processing unit 120 and the distribution unit 121 in the same manner as the recording by the black ink nozzle row K in Embodiment 1. This is a process of replacing the nozzle row 130 (black ink nozzle row K) in Embodiment 1 with the nozzle row 130 of the selected ink type.

By adopting this method, in the recording by the ink of the color specified from the input unit 112, the influence of the dot position deviation due to the difference in the moving direction of the nozzle row 130 in the circulation operation is suppressed. recorded images of the For example, it is possible to change a predetermined color (a color that suppresses the influence of dot position deviation) according to a difference in the color of the recording medium 5 .

In addition, the "predetermined color" specified from the input unit 112 need not be limited to one color. For example, an ink type of a plurality of ink colors may be designated as the ink type of the “predetermined color” from among the plurality of ink types displayed on the display unit 113 .

In addition, it is also possible to adopt a method in which one of the inks of the "second color" different from the "predetermined color" is selected as the "predetermined color", and the difference between the color of the recording medium 5 and the second color When the intensity of the contrast between them is greater than the intensity of the contrast between the color of the recording medium 5 and the "predetermined color", the ink of the "second color" is also processed in the same way as the ink type of the "predetermined color".

That is, the distributing unit 121 acquires the second halftone data corresponding to the ink of the second color generated for the same area of the image data based on the image data, and distributes the second halftone data to a predetermined recording area. The nozzle row 130 (second nozzle row) corresponding to the ink of the second color is given a circular action in the same direction in the reciprocating movement in the main scanning direction.

By adopting this manner, in the case where the intensity of the contrast between the color of the recording medium 5 and the second color is greater than the intensity of the contrast between the color of the recording medium 5 and the predetermined color, in the predetermined recording area, the second color Two halftone data (halftone data corresponding to the ink of the second color generated for the same area of the image data based on the image data) is allocated to the reciprocating movement of the second nozzle row 130 in the main scanning direction. Cyclic motion in the same direction. Therefore, it is possible to perform recording with the ink of the second color without being affected by a shift in dot position due to a difference in the moving direction of the second nozzle row 130 during the circulation operation. In other words, in recording with inks of a predetermined color and a second color having a higher contrast than the predetermined color, the influence of dot position deviation can be suppressed. For example, in the case where a character or a line can be recorded with a black ink with high contrast to the white recording medium 5, the reduction in the visibility of the character or the line quality of the line can be suppressed. record of.

Variation 3

In Embodiment 1, the "predetermined recording area" is described as the area where the nozzle tip 131 that ejects ink of a predetermined color can perform recording by one cycle operation without the transport operation, but " The “predetermined recording area” may be an area independent of the structure of the nozzle tip 131 .

Specifically, the recording system 1 (see FIG. 2 ) as Modification 3 can designate a “planned recording area” from the input unit 112 included in the image processing device 110 . More specifically, the length in the sub-scanning direction of a predetermined recording area can be designated from the input unit 112 . For example, when the size of the area to be recorded (the length in the sub-scanning direction) and the size of the nozzle tip 131 are not affected by the dot position deviation caused by the difference in the moving direction of the nozzle row 130 in the cyclic operation, When the length is slightly longer than the length, etc., a width longer than the length of the nozzle tip 131 is designated. The allocating unit 121 allocates the same halftone data among the plurality of generated halftone data so that the circulation operation is in the same direction in the “predetermined recording area” of its width.

In addition, as designation of the "planned recording area", it is more preferable that the starting point in the sub-scanning direction of the "planned recording area" can be further designated as the range designation. In other words, by designating the start point and length of the "planned recording area" in the sub-scanning direction, it is possible to designate it in accordance with the specific image data to be recorded (for example, in accordance with the size or line width of characters). area of effect.

According to this modified example, since the length in the sub-scanning direction of the predetermined recording area can be designated by input from the input unit 112, in the above-mentioned recording (by a plurality of half-lengths corresponding to the ink of the predetermined color) Each recording realized by each halftone data in the tone data) can be changed under the condition that it is not affected by the dot position deviation caused by the difference in the moving direction of the nozzle row 130 in the cyclic operation. The size of the region. That is to say, for example, it is possible to perform recording under the conditions that are not affected by the dot position deviation caused by the difference in the moving direction of the nozzle row 130 in the cyclic operation according to the specifications of the recorded image such as the size of the characters, etc. The size of the area and other corresponding ways to change the recording method.

Hereinafter, the content deduced from the above-mentioned embodiment and modifications will be described.

The recording device of the present application is a recording device that records a recording image based on image data by repeating the following cyclic operation and conveyance operation, wherein the cyclic operation is such that the nozzle group is positioned relative to the recording medium in the main scanning direction. On the other hand, liquid is ejected while relatively reciprocating to form dots on the recording medium. An operation of performing relative movement in a scanning direction, wherein the recording device is characterized in that it includes a distributing unit that acquires, based on the image data, an image of a predetermined color that is generated for the same area of the image data. a plurality of halftone data corresponding to the liquid, and distribute respective halftone data among the obtained plurality of halftone data to a reciprocating movement in the main scanning direction in a predetermined recording area. The same direction of the cycle action.

According to this configuration, it is possible to record a recording image by a nozzle group that ejects liquid of a predetermined color using a plurality of halftone data generated for the same area of image data. As a result, for example, even when the nozzle group is constituted by a plurality of heads (nozzle tips having a plurality of nozzles) having differences in the ejection characteristics of liquids ejecting a predetermined color, it is possible to use Halftone data of different heads is recorded in the same area by overlapping the recordings performed by the respective heads, thereby recording a recorded image in which the difference in the ejection characteristics of the respective heads is not easily recognized visually.

Furthermore, since in a predetermined recording region, respective halftone data among a plurality of halftone data corresponding to liquid of a predetermined color generated for the same region of image data are allocated to reciprocating data in the main scanning direction The circulation action in the same direction during the movement, therefore, can be implemented by the predetermined color of the liquid, and the Each record corresponds to the respective halftone data.

As a result, it is possible to implement a mode in which the ejection is suppressed without evaluating the ejection characteristics (deviation of dot positions) of the nozzle group ejecting liquid of a predetermined color, or correcting based on the evaluation results. A record of the effects of the characteristics. In addition, it is not necessary to provide correction means (for example, drive waveform generation data correction means) for each nozzle group that may have different discharge characteristics, and cost can be reduced. In addition, since it is not necessary to calculate the correction amount according to the ink ejection characteristics of each nozzle group, it is not necessary to adjust the timing.

In the recording device described above, it is preferable to include a halftone processing unit that generates the plurality of halftone data.

According to this configuration, the recording device includes a halftone processing unit that generates, based on the image data, a plurality of halftone data corresponding to liquid of a predetermined color for the same area of the image data. Therefore, there is no need to provide a device (image processing device) that generates these halftone data outside the recording device.

In the recording device described above, it is preferable that the nozzle group is constituted by a plurality of nozzle subgroups, and that the distributing unit distributes each halftone data among the plurality of halftone data to at least the plurality of One nozzle group in the nozzle group realizes the cyclic operation over the entire same area of the image data, and causes the recording device to perform recording by superimposing recording based on the respective halftone data.

According to this configuration, the distributing unit distributes each of the plurality of halftone data corresponding to liquid of a predetermined color generated for the same region of the image data based on the image data to each of the plurality of nozzle groups. The cyclic operation performed by one nozzle group over the entire same area of image data is recorded by the recording device by superimposing the recording based on the respective halftone data. As a result, even if there is a difference in the ejection characteristics of each nozzle group that ejects liquid of a predetermined color, the recording images recorded by the respective nozzle groups are superimposed over the entire same area. , so that the difference in discharge characteristics between the nozzle groups is suppressed from being manifested.

As a result, it is not necessary to correct the discharge characteristics of each nozzle group in order to suppress the difference in discharge characteristics among the nozzle groups that discharge liquid of a predetermined color. That is, it is not necessary to find a correction amount corresponding to the ejection characteristics of each nozzle group that ejects liquid of a predetermined color, and it is not necessary to provide a correction unit that corrects the correction amount obtained for each nozzle group.

In addition, since recording based on the same halftone data is performed over the same area as a whole for each nozzle group that ejects liquid of a predetermined color, the loop operation for performing this recording is performed in a predetermined recording area and in the main Since the reciprocating movement in the scanning direction is performed in the same direction, recording can be performed in a predetermined recording area without being affected by a dot position shift due to a difference in the moving direction of each nozzle group.

In the above-mentioned recording device, it is preferable that the predetermined recording area is such that the nozzle group that ejects the liquid of the predetermined color can perform one cycle without accompanying the conveying operation. The area where the recording is performed by the action.

According to this configuration, the predetermined recording area is an area where the nozzle group ejecting liquid of a predetermined color can perform recording in one cycle operation without carrying out the transport operation. That is to say, under the condition that it is not affected by the dot position deviation caused by the difference in the moving direction of the nozzle group in the cyclic operation, the implementation of the nozzle group can be carried out in one cyclic operation without accompanying the conveying operation. Each recording is realized by respective halftone data among a plurality of halftone data corresponding to liquid of a predetermined color in a recorded area (predetermined recording area).

In the recording device described above, it is preferable to include an input unit capable of specifying the length of the predetermined recording area in the sub-scanning direction.

According to this configuration, since the length of the predetermined recording area in the sub-scanning direction can be specified by input from the input unit, in the above-mentioned recording (by a plurality of semi-scans corresponding to the liquid of the predetermined color) In each recording realized by the respective halftone data in the tone data), the area that can be implemented can be changed under the condition that it is not affected by the dot position deviation caused by the difference in the moving direction of the nozzle group in the cyclic operation. the size of. That is to say, it is possible to perform recording with the specifications of the recorded image such as the size of the characters, or the area to be recorded without being affected by the deviation of the dot position due to the difference in the moving direction of the nozzle group in the cyclic operation. Size and other corresponding ways to change the recording method.

In the recording device described above, it is preferable to include a second nozzle group that ejects a liquid of a second color different from the predetermined color, and the dispensing unit acquires a liquid of a second color different from the predetermined color, based on the image data. second halftone data corresponding to the liquid of the second color generated in the same area of the image data, and assigning the second halftone data to the main scan of the second nozzle group The reciprocating movement in the same direction or the reciprocating direction of the said cyclical action.

According to this structure, since the recording of the liquid of the second color different from the predetermined color can be carried out by the circulation operation in the same direction or the circulation operation in the reciprocating direction in the main scanning direction, it is possible to effectively implement records.

In the recording device described above, it is preferable that the intensity of the contrast between the color of the recording medium and the second color is greater than the intensity of the contrast between the color of the recording medium and the predetermined color. Next, the distributing section distributes the second halftone data to the circular operation in the same direction in the reciprocating movement in the main scanning direction of the second nozzle group in the predetermined recording area .

According to this structure, in the case where the intensity of the contrast between the color of the recording medium and the second color is greater than the intensity of the contrast between the color of the recording medium and the predetermined color, in the predetermined recording area, the second halftone data (Halftone data corresponding to the liquid of the second color generated for the same area of the image data based on the image data) is assigned to the same-direction cyclic motion in the reciprocating movement in the main scanning direction of the second nozzle group . Therefore, it is possible to perform recording with the liquid of the second color without being affected by a shift in dot position due to a difference in the moving direction of the second nozzle group during the cyclic operation. In other words, in recording with liquids of a predetermined color and a liquid of a second color having a higher contrast than the predetermined color, it is possible to suppress the influence of dot position deviation.

In the recording device described above, it is preferable to include an input unit capable of specifying the predetermined color.

According to this structure, in the recording by the liquid of the color designated from the input unit, it is possible to perform recording on a recorded image in which the influence of the dot position deviation due to the difference in the moving direction of the nozzle group in the cyclic operation has been suppressed. Record. For example, it is possible to change a predetermined color (a color that suppresses the influence of the dot position shift) according to the difference in the color of the recording medium.

The image processing device of the present application is characterized in that recording data for recording by a recording device is generated based on image data, and the recording device performs recording based on the image data by repeating the following loop operation and transport operation. The image is recorded, wherein the cycle operation is an operation in which the nozzle group relatively reciprocates relative to the recording medium in the main scanning direction while ejecting liquid to form dots on the recording medium, and the conveying The operation is an operation of relatively moving the nozzle group and the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction intersecting with the main scanning direction, and the image processing device includes a halftone processing unit based on the image data , and generate a plurality of halftone data corresponding to the liquid of a predetermined color with respect to the same area of the image data; The halftone data is assigned to the reciprocating movement in the main scanning direction in the same direction as the cyclic motion.

According to this configuration, it is possible to perform recording of a recording image by a nozzle group that ejects liquid of a predetermined color using a plurality of halftone data generated for the same area of image data. As a result, for example, even in the case where the nozzle group is constituted by a plurality of heads (nozzle tips having a plurality of nozzles) having differences in the ejection characteristics of the liquid ejecting a predetermined color, it is possible to use The halftone data that differs for each head and the recording performed by each head are overlapped, and recording in the same area is performed, so that it is possible to record a recorded image that is difficult to visually recognize the difference in the discharge characteristics of each head ( cause the recording device to record).

Furthermore, since in a predetermined recording region, respective halftone data among a plurality of halftone data corresponding to liquid of a predetermined color generated for the same region of image data are allocated to reciprocating data in the main scanning direction The circulation action in the same direction during the movement, therefore, can be implemented by the predetermined color of the liquid, and the Each record corresponds to the respective halftone data.

As a result, it is possible to implement a mode in which the ejection is suppressed without evaluating the ejection characteristics (deviation of dot positions) of the nozzle group ejecting liquid of a predetermined color, or correcting based on the evaluation results. A record of the effects of the characteristics. In addition, it is not necessary to provide correction means (for example, drive waveform generation data correction means) for each nozzle group that may have different discharge characteristics, and cost can be reduced. In addition, since it is not necessary to calculate the correction amount according to the ink ejection characteristics of each nozzle group, it is not necessary to adjust the timing.

The recording method of the present application is characterized in that it is a recording method in a recording device that records a recorded image based on image data by repeating the following loop operation and conveyance operation, wherein the The circulation operation is an operation in which the nozzle group reciprocates relative to the recording medium in the main scanning direction while ejecting liquid to form dots on the recording medium, and the conveying operation is to make the nozzle group An action of relative movement with the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction intersecting with the main scanning direction, the recording method includes: a halftone processing step, based on the image data, for the same area of the image data generating a plurality of halftone data corresponding to the liquid of a predetermined color; and distributing a step of distributing respective halftone data among the plurality of halftone data to the main scanning direction in a predetermined recording area The circular action on the same direction as the reciprocating movement.

According to this method, recording of a recorded image by a nozzle group that ejects a liquid of a predetermined color can be performed using a plurality of halftone data respectively generated for the same area of image data. As a result, for example, even when the nozzle group is constituted by a plurality of heads (nozzle tips having a plurality of nozzles) having differences in the ejection characteristics of liquids ejecting a predetermined color, it is possible to use Halftone data of different heads is recorded in the same area by overlapping the recordings performed by the respective heads, thereby recording a recorded image in which the difference in the ejection characteristics of the respective heads is not easily recognized visually.

Furthermore, since in a predetermined recording region, respective halftone data among a plurality of halftone data corresponding to liquid of a predetermined color generated for the same region of image data are allocated to reciprocating data in the main scanning direction The circulation action in the same direction during the movement, therefore, can be implemented by the predetermined color of the liquid, and the Each record corresponds to the respective halftone data.

As a result, it is possible to implement a mode in which the ejection is suppressed without evaluating the ejection characteristics (deviation of dot positions) of the nozzle group ejecting liquid of a predetermined color, or correcting based on the evaluation results. A record of the effects of the characteristics. In addition, it is not necessary to provide correction means (for example, drive waveform generation data correction means) for each nozzle group that may have different discharge characteristics, and cost can be reduced. In addition, since it is not necessary to calculate the correction amount according to the ink ejection characteristics of each nozzle group, it is not necessary to adjust the timing.

Symbol Description

1...recording system; 5...recording medium; 10...recording part; 11...head unit; 12...ink supply part; 13...recording head; 14...head control part; 20...moving part; 30...controlling part; 31...interface 32...CPU; 33...Memory; 34...Drive control part; 35...Movement control signal generation circuit; 36...Ejection control signal generation circuit; 37...Drive signal generation circuit; 40...Main scanning part; 41...Carriage ;42...guide shaft; 50...transporting part; 51...supplying part; 52...accommodating part; 53...conveying roller; Input section; 113...Display section; 114...Storage section; 115...CPU; 116...ASIC; 117...DSP; 118...Memory; 119...Printer interface section; 120...Halftone processing section; Column; 131...Nozzle tip; 201-212...Halftone data; 1311-1314...Nozzle tip.

Claims (8)

1. A recording apparatus for recording a recording image based on image data by repeating a circulation operation of forming dots on a recording medium by discharging a liquid while a nozzle group reciprocates relative to the recording medium in a main scanning direction and a transport operation of relatively moving the nozzle group and the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction,

the recording device includes an allocation unit and an input unit,

the distribution unit acquires a plurality of halftone data corresponding to the liquid of a predetermined color generated for a same area of the image data based on the image data, and distributes each halftone data of the plurality of acquired halftone data to the cyclic operation in a same direction in the reciprocating movement in the main scanning direction in a predetermined recording area,

the input section is capable of specifying a length of the predetermined recording area in the sub-scanning direction,

the input unit can specify the predetermined color.

2. The recording apparatus of claim 1,

the halftone processing unit generates the plurality of halftone data.

3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2,

the nozzle group is composed of a plurality of nozzle subgroups,

the distribution unit distributes each halftone data in the plurality of halftone data to the cyclic operation realized by at least one nozzle subgroup in the plurality of nozzle subgroups and over the entire same area of the image data,

the recording is performed by overlapping the recordings based on the respective halftone data.

4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3,

the predetermined recording area is an area in which the nozzle group ejecting the liquid of the predetermined color can perform recording by one cycle operation not accompanied by the transport operation.

5. The recording apparatus of claim 1,

a second nozzle group that discharges a liquid of a second color different from the predetermined color,

the distribution unit acquires second halftone data corresponding to the liquid of the second color, which is generated for the same area of the image data, based on the image data, and distributes the second halftone data to the same direction or the reciprocating direction of the reciprocating movement of the second nozzle group in the main scanning direction.

6. The recording apparatus of claim 5,

in the case where the intensity of the contrast between the color of the recording medium and the second color is greater than the intensity of the contrast between the color of the recording medium and the predetermined color,

the distribution section distributes the second halftone data to the cyclic operation in the same direction in the reciprocating movement of the second nozzle group in the main scanning direction in the predetermined recording region.

7. An image processing apparatus that generates recording data for causing a recording apparatus to perform recording based on image data, the recording apparatus recording a recording image based on the image data by repeating a circulation operation of forming dots on a recording medium by discharging a liquid while a nozzle group relatively reciprocates in a main scanning direction with respect to the recording medium and a transport operation of relatively moving the nozzle group and the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction,

the image processing apparatus includes:

a halftone processing section that generates, based on the image data, a plurality of halftone data corresponding to the liquid of a predetermined color for the same area of the image data;

an assigning unit that assigns each halftone data in the plurality of halftone data to the cyclic operation in the same direction in the reciprocating movement in the main scanning direction in a predetermined recording area;

an input section capable of specifying a length of the predetermined recording area in the sub-scanning direction,

the input unit specifies the predetermined color.

8. A recording method in a recording apparatus that records a recorded image based on image data by repeating a circulation operation of forming dots on a recording medium by ejecting a liquid while a nozzle group reciprocates relative to the recording medium in a main scanning direction and a transport operation of relatively moving the nozzle group and the recording medium in a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction,

in the recording method, the method includes:

a halftone processing step of generating a plurality of halftone data corresponding to the liquid of a predetermined color for the same area of the image data based on the image data;

an assigning step of assigning each halftone data in the plurality of halftone data to the cyclic operation in the same direction in the reciprocating movement in the main scanning direction in a predetermined recording area;

an input step of specifying a length of the predetermined recording area in the sub-scanning direction and specifying the predetermined color.

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